"exposed to" vs "subjected to"

Question

"exposed to" vs "subjected to"

Both 'subjected to' and 'exposed to' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Subjected to' is used when someone is made to experience something, often against their will, while 'exposed to' is used when someone comes into contact with something, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Use 'exposed to' when describing a situation where someone is in the presence of or comes into contact with something, such as a substance, environment, or experience.

Examples:

Children should not be exposed to harmful chemicals.
She was exposed to different cultures during her travels.
The workers were exposed to loud noises in the factory.
He was exposed to the virus at work.
The students were exposed to new ideas in the seminar.

Alternatives:

subjected to
faced with
encountered
confronted with
brought into contact with

Use 'subjected to' when describing a situation where someone is forced to endure or experience something, usually something negative or unpleasant.

Examples:

The prisoners were subjected to harsh treatment.
She felt subjected to constant scrutiny in her new job.
The students were subjected to a surprise test.
The workers were subjected to unsafe working conditions.
The animals were subjected to cruel experiments.

Alternatives:

exposed to
faced with
endured
suffered
underwent

Answer 1

exposed to

The phrase 'exposed to' is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to indicate that someone comes into contact with something, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Answer 2

subjected to

The phrase 'subjected to' is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to indicate that someone is made to experience something, often against their will.

"exposed to" vs "subjected to"

exposed to

subjected to

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